The RCP has responded to the the Health and Social Care committee's report which makes the case for weekly testing of NHS staff to stop NHS becoming a Covid-only service in second wave.
Professor Andrew Goddard, president of the Royal College of Physicians said: “We welcome the Committee’s recommendation to implement routine testing for all NHS staff across the country.
“Our recent member survey showed an increase in the proportion of doctors unable to get a test within 24 hours – and while staff absences are currently low, 40% of doctors off work are isolating because they cannot get a test for a family member.
“As we head towards Winter with a rising infection rate, problems with accessing testing impacts the NHS’ ability to treat patients with COVID-19 and to deliver potentially life-saving care for other illnesses.
“It is vital that testing is immediately available for doctors and their families to ensure NHS staff can safely come to work and provide patients with the treatment they need.”